Reusable tie assembly for concrete forms

ABSTRACT

A retractable, removable and reusable tie assembly for concrete forms includes a single tie rod having a pipe slidably mounted on one end thereof and an internal spreader system interposed between its ends for spacing the forms a predetermined distance apart during concrete pour. The internal spreader system includes a loose cone adapted to be threadedly engaged with one end of the pipe and a rubber tube adapted to sealingly engage with this cone as well as a second cone secured to the other end of the tube. This connection includes a ferrule and insert engageable with a steel washer embeded in the secured cone. The insert is interiorly threaded to facilitate removal of the cone and attached rubber tube after the forms have been stripped. Interengaging surfaces of threaded insert and the rod assure the proper location of the internal spreader system after the first and closing form have been erected. Wedges at each end of the tie assembly completes the erection of the forms. After the concrete has been formed and satisfactorily hardened the forms are then stripped. Towards this end, the rod and associated pipe are removed by initially uncoupling one or both of the wedges and then unscrewing the pipe from its associated cone. Thereafter the loose cone may be removed with a suitable tool or bolt with a thread mating with the internal thread of this cone. The other cone and secured tube may then be removed by means of a second tool or bolt having a threaded portion mating with that of the thread of the insert. The tie assembly may then be reused where desired.

United States Patent 1191 Lovisa et al.

[ 1 Dec. 23, 1975 REUSABLE TIE ASSEMBLY FOR CONCRETE FORMS [76] Inventors: Peter R. Lovisa, 1040 Pelhamdale Ave., Pelham, N.Y. 10803; Dusan Tausanovitch, 24 Crestwood Drive, Northport, N.Y. 11768; Tullio E.

Lovisa, 91 Whitson Road, Huntington Station, N.Y. 11746 [22] Filed: July 8, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 486,365

Primary Examiner-Robert D. Baldwin Assistant Examiner-John McQuade Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Kane, Dalsimer, Kane, Sullivan and Kurucz [57] ABSTRACT A retractable, removable and reusable tie assembly for Rik kwme concrete forms includes a single tie rod having a pipe slidably mounted on one end thereof and an internal spreader system interposed between its ends for spacing the forms a predetermined distance apart during concrete pour. The internal spreader system includes a loose coneadapted to be threadedly engaged with one end of the pipe and a rubber tube adapted to sealingly engage with this cone as well as a second cone secured 'to the other end of the tube. This connection includes a ferrule and insert engageable with a steel washer embeded in the secured cone. The insert is interiorly threaded to facilitate removal of the cone and attached rubber, tube after the forms have been stripped. Interengaging surfaces of threaded insert and the rod assure the proper location of the internal spreader system after the first and closing form have been erected. Wedges at each end of the tie assembly completes the erection of the forms. After the concrete has been formed and satisfactorily hardened the forms are then stripped. Towards this end, the rod and associated pipe are removed by initially uncoupling one or both of the wedges and then unscrewing the pipe from its associated cone. Thereafter the loose cone may be removed with a suitable tool or bolt with a thread mating with the internal thread of this cone. The other cone and secured tube may then be removed by means of a second tool or bolt having a threaded portion mating with that of the thread of the insert. The tie assembly may then be reused where desired.

10 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures US. Patent Dec. 23, 1975 REUSABLE TIE ASSEMBLY FOR CONCRETE FORMS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Thisapplication relates to the subject matter of Application Ser. No. 232,450, filed Mar. 7, 1972 now US. Pat. No. 3,822,860 granted July 9, 1974.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to an improved modified version of the tie assembly disclosed in the above-referenced application thereby providing relatively easy installation and dismantling of tie assembly and forms resulting in greatly reduced labor costs.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description which is to be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.

FIG. 1 is an elevational view partly in section with certain parts broken away and removed of the tie assembly of this invention shown associated-with a starting and closing form, and wedgesat each end thereof shown in phantom;

FIG. 2 is a reduced fragmentary elevationalview of the pouredconcreteafter it has 'hardened with the forms removed as well as the tie rod and one of the cones of the internal spreader system shown in the process of removal; and l FIG. 3 is a similar view-showing the other cone and associated rubber tube in the process of being removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the illustrated reusable tie assembly a'tie rod 12 is provided with a flange or head 14 at one end thereof. At the other endappears a pair of parallel and diametrically opposed slots 16 for the reception of wedges to be discussed in detail shortly. A tubular member or pipe 18 is disposed about the rod 12 at the end bearing the head 14 and similarly is provided with diametrically opposed slots 20 also for cooperating with wedges in a manner to be described. This pipe 18 ispermanently retained on the rod 12 by means of the swedged diametrically oppose'd projections-22 which also conveniently limits the amount of rod retraction after the internal spreader system 24 has been mounted in place on the rod 12 to'facilitate the erection of the closing form. A second set of swedge projections 26 provide a stop for the extent to which the spreader system 24 may beshifted over the rod 12 and consequently assures the desired spacing of the starting and closing forms.-

Referring to the internal spreader means 24 it will be noted that a sleeve 28 of an elastic material such as natural or synthetic rubber is provided for disposition over the tie rod 12. A frusto conical cone 30 is secured to one end ofthe sleeve 28 at the end furthest removed from the tie rod head 14. A mechanical connection between the cone 30 and sleeve 28 is conveniently provided by means of a metal insert 32 having a circumferentially extending flange 34 for abutment against ferrule 38 which has a radially, inwardly extending flange bearing against the end of the sleeve 28. Internal threads 36 are designed to mate with corresponding threads on atool for facilitating the extration of cone 130 and sleeve 28 after the concrete has been poured and hardened and following the removal of the includes a frusto conical cone 42 adapted to merely engage but not be attached to the free end of the sleeve 28. However, this cone 42 is adapted to be attached to the pipe 18 by means of an internally threaded insert 44 embedded therein. Attachment of the cone to the sleeve 28 and the ability of cone 42 to be attached to the pipe 18 reduces the tendency of the cone if otherwise loose to fall to the ground accidentally particularly between the erected forms.

In FIG. 1 the tie assembly 10 is shown mounted in position along with the starting form F1 and closing form F2 with wedges also cooperating with the tie assembly 10 in maintaining the forms the desired spaced apart distance. The cooperation of the wedges 46 and tie assembly 10 is disclosed in detail in the abovereferenced patent application. Thus, when the tie assembly 10 is mounted inposition as shown in FIG. 1 the tie rod 12 is incapable of lateral movement thereby maintaining the forms F1 and F2 a predetermined distance apart as defined by the length of internal spreader means 24. As explained in the referenced patent application, the arcuate walls forming part of the slots 16 and 20 permit mounting of the tie assembly 10 somewhat askew relative to the forms F1 and F2. In addition, it is possible to maintaing the lateral pressures created by concrete being poured into the space between the forms by this configuration and further to permit the increase of the load on the wedge without the necessity of increasing the mass of the wedge or the tie rod.

In practice, the process for erecting and stripping the forms may entail mounting the tie assembly on the inner' face of the starting form Fl. A wedge may then be employed for immobilizing the end of the assembly bearing the head 14. The rod 12 may then be retracted through the pipe 18 which is threadedly coupled with the cone 42 in order that the closing form F2 may be swung into position. The rod 12 is then pushed through the tie hole and closing form F2 and the wedges 46 are then secured in place at both ends of the assembly 10. Where necessary or desirable, the wedges may be used for immobilization for either or both ends, after both forms have been erected.

After the conerete-is poured and set, the wedge 46 which is coupled with slot 16 is removed. The rod 12 is retracted through the pipe 18 thereby completely freeing the closing form F2 for stripping or crane removal. The remaining wedge 46 coupled with the head 14 is removed. The starting wall F1 is then free for stripping. Towards this end, the rod 12 and pipe 18 may be removed beforeor after the starting form F1 is stripped by simply unscrewing the threaded end of pipe 18 from the internally threaded insert 44 of the cone 42. After the pipe 18 and rod 12 are removed, the cone 42 may be removed by utilizing a bolt or tool having external threads capable of mating with the internal threads of the insert 44; and by means of a pulling action on this bolt or tool, the cone 42 may be removed. Thereafter, a bolt or tool having externalthreads capable of mating with the internal threads of the insert 32, may be pulled to remove the cone 30 and attached sleeve 28. In this connection, when the cone 30 is threadedly coupled with this tool, it is pulled thereby imparting a stretching and consequent elongation of the sleeve 28. In this manner, the bond between the sleeve 28 and concrete is broken enabling it to be readily removed.

Thus the several aforenoted objects and advantages are most effectively attained. Although a single somewhat preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed and described in detail herein, it should be noted that this invention is no sense limited thereby and its scope is to be determined by that of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A retractable reusable tie assembly for concrete forms capable of being disassembled after use comprismg:

internal spreader means adapted to be coupled with concrete forms to maintain the forms a predetermined distance apart and providing a passage therethrough, the spreader means including an elongatable, elastomeric sleeve cooperating in defining the passage, a first cone securely fastened to one end of the sleeve and also having a bore defining an extension of the passage, a second loose cone removably coupled to the other end of the sleeve and having a bore defining an extension of the passage, the first cone being mechanically interlocked with the associated end of the sleeve, the mechanical interlock including a metallic insert having an internal threaded portion mounted interiorly of this end of the sleeve and a deformable metal ferrule being disposed exteriorly of this end of the sleeve, said insert and ferrule frictionally engaging this end of the sleeve and means on the first cone for engaging with the insert and for completing the mechanical coupling; tie rod removably mounted in the passage of the spreader means, the tie rod supporting an elongated tubular pipe slidably mounted thereon and having coupling means at one end for releasably coupling to the loose cone of the spreader means; and

interengagable surfaces defined by the spreader means and the tie rod arranged and constructed for releasably coupling the spreader means to the tie rod so that the tie rod and spreader means are disengagable from the other while the forms are still in place and the tie assembly can be disassembled after use and removed from the concrete without damage to the concrete and tie assembly.

2. The invention in accordance with claim 1, wherein the rod includes a head at one end thereof engageable with one end of the pipe.

3. The invention in accordance with claim 2, wherein the tie rod is provided with stop means intermediate its ends for preventing the pipe from shifting beyond a predetermined distance from the head during erection of the concrete forms.

4. The invention in accordance with claim 1, wherein a pair of parallel slots are formed at the other end of the pipe and another pair of parallel slots are formed at the end of the tie rod distal the pipe, said slots adapted to be coupled with mounting means on concrete forms for releasably mounting the tie rod in position.

5. The invention in accordance with claim 4, wherein the mounting means are coupled with the slots and includes Wedges.

6. The invention in accordance with claim 4, wherein the slots include an arcuate face to assure predetermined direction of forces during concrete pour.

7. The invention in accordance with claim 1, wherein the pipe includes external threads and the loose cone includes internal threads mating with one another for providing a connection between the pipe and the loose cone and this connection of the pipe and loose cone adapted to be broken following pouring and setting of the concrete and removal of the forms.

8. An internal spreader means adapted to be positioned on a retractable reusable tie rod of a tie assembly and adapted to be positioned between concrete forms to maintain the forms a predetermined distance apart and providing a passage therethrough for reception of the tie rod, the spreader means including an elongatable, elastomeric sleeve cooperating in defining the passage, a first cone securely fastened to one end of the sleeve and also having a bore defining an extension of the passage, the first cone being mechanically interlocked with the associated end of the sleeve, the mechanical interlock including a metallic insert having an internal threaded portion mounted interiorly of this end of the sleeve and a deformable metal ferrule being disposed exteriorly of this end of the sleeve, said insert and ferrule frictionally engaging this end of the sleeve and means on the first cone for engaging with the insert and for completing the mechanical coupling, a second loose cone removably coupled to the other end of the sleeve and having a bore defining an extension of the passage, and coupling means defined by surfaces of the spreader means for releasably coupling the spreader means to the tie rod so that the tie rod and spreader means are disengageable from the other while the forms are still in place and the tie assembly can be disassembled after use and removed from the concrete without damage to the concrete and tie assembly, the coupling means including internal surfaces of the first cone for assuring predetermined location of the spreader means on the rod and consequently for determining spaced apart distance of the forms.

9. The invention in accordance with claim 8, wherein the internal spreader means includes internally threaded portions at each end to facilitate removal of the loose cone and thereafter the first cone and attached sleeve following pouring and setting of the concrete and removal of the forms.

10. A retractable reusable tie assembly for concrete forms capable of being disassembled after use comprismg:

internal spreader means adapted to be coupled with concrete forms to maintain the forms a predetermined distance apart and providing a passage therethrough, the spreader means including an elongatable, elastomeric sleeve cooperating in defining the passage, a first cone securely fastened to one end of the sleeve and also having a bore defining an extension of the passage, a second loose cone removably coupled to the other end of the sleeve and having a bore defining an extension of the passage, the first cone being mechanically interlocked with the associated end of the sleeve, the mechanical interlock including a metallic insert having an internal threaded portion mounted interiorly of this end of the sleeve and a deformable metal ferrule being disposed exteriorly of this end of the sleeve, said insert and ferrule frictionally engaging this end of the sleeve and means on the means on the rod and consequently for determining spaced apart distance of the forms; and interengagablc surfaces defined by the spreader means and the tie rod arranged and constructed for releasably coupling the spreader means to the tie rod so that the tie rod and spreader means are disengagable from the other while the forms are still in place and the tie assembly can be disassembled after use and removed from the concrete without damage to the concrete and tie assembly. 

1. A retractable reusable tie assembly for concrete forms capable of being disassembled after use comprising: internal spreader means adapted to be coupled with concrete forms to maintain the forms a predetermined distance apart and providing a passage therethrough, the spreader means including an elongatable, elastomeric sleeve cooperating in defining the passage, a first cone securely fastened to one end of the sleeve and also having a bore defining an extension of the passage, a second loose cone removably coupled to the other end of the sleeve and having a bore defining an extension of the passage, the first cone being mechanically interlocked with the associated end of the sleeve, the mechanical interlock including a metallic insert having an internal threaded portion mounted interiorly of this end of the sleeve and a deformable metal ferrule being disposed exteriorly of this end of the sleeve, said insert and ferrule frictionally engaging this end of the sleeve and means on the first cone for engaging with the insert and for completing the mechanical coupling; a tie rod removably mounted in the passage of the spreader means, the tie rod supporting an elongated tubular pipe slidably mounted thereon and having coupling means at one end for releasably coupling to the loose cone of the spreader means; and interengagable surfaces defined by the spreader means and the tie rod arranged and constructed for releasably coupling the spreader means to the tie rod so that the tie rod and spreader means are disengagable from the other while the forms are still in place and the tie assembly can be disassembled after use and removed from the concrete without damage to the concrete and tie assembly.
 2. The invention in accordance with claim 1, wherein the rod includes a head at one end thereof engageable with one end of the pipe.
 3. The invention in accordance with claim 2, wherein the tie rod is provided with stop means intermediate its ends for preventing the pipe from shifting beyond a predetermined distance from the head during erection of the concrete forms.
 4. The invention in accordance with claim 1, wherein a pair of parallel slots are formed at the other end of the pipe and another pair of parallel slots are formed at the end of the tie rod distal the pipe, said slots adapted to be coupled with mounting means on coNcrete forms for releasably mounting the tie rod in position.
 5. The invention in accordance with claim 4, wherein the mounting means are coupled with the slots and includes wedges.
 6. The invention in accordance with claim 4, wherein the slots include an arcuate face to assure predetermined direction of forces during concrete pour.
 7. The invention in accordance with claim 1, wherein the pipe includes external threads and the loose cone includes internal threads mating with one another for providing a connection between the pipe and the loose cone and this connection of the pipe and loose cone adapted to be broken following pouring and setting of the concrete and removal of the forms.
 8. An internal spreader means adapted to be positioned on a retractable reusable tie rod of a tie assembly and adapted to be positioned between concrete forms to maintain the forms a predetermined distance apart and providing a passage therethrough for reception of the tie rod, the spreader means including an elongatable, elastomeric sleeve cooperating in defining the passage, a first cone securely fastened to one end of the sleeve and also having a bore defining an extension of the passage, the first cone being mechanically interlocked with the associated end of the sleeve, the mechanical interlock including a metallic insert having an internal threaded portion mounted interiorly of this end of the sleeve and a deformable metal ferrule being disposed exteriorly of this end of the sleeve, said insert and ferrule frictionally engaging this end of the sleeve and means on the first cone for engaging with the insert and for completing the mechanical coupling, a second loose cone removably coupled to the other end of the sleeve and having a bore defining an extension of the passage, and coupling means defined by surfaces of the spreader means for releasably coupling the spreader means to the tie rod so that the tie rod and spreader means are disengageable from the other while the forms are still in place and the tie assembly can be disassembled after use and removed from the concrete without damage to the concrete and tie assembly, the coupling means including internal surfaces of the first cone for assuring predetermined location of the spreader means on the rod and consequently for determining spaced apart distance of the forms.
 9. The invention in accordance with claim 8, wherein the internal spreader means includes internally threaded portions at each end to facilitate removal of the loose cone and thereafter the first cone and attached sleeve following pouring and setting of the concrete and removal of the forms.
 10. A retractable reusable tie assembly for concrete forms capable of being disassembled after use comprising: internal spreader means adapted to be coupled with concrete forms to maintain the forms a predetermined distance apart and providing a passage therethrough, the spreader means including an elongatable, elastomeric sleeve cooperating in defining the passage, a first cone securely fastened to one end of the sleeve and also having a bore defining an extension of the passage, a second loose cone removably coupled to the other end of the sleeve and having a bore defining an extension of the passage, the first cone being mechanically interlocked with the associated end of the sleeve, the mechanical interlock including a metallic insert having an internal threaded portion mounted interiorly of this end of the sleeve and a deformable metal ferrule being disposed exteriorly of this end of the sleeve, said insert and ferrule frictionally engaging this end of the sleeve and means on the first cone for engaging with the insert and for completing the mechanical coupling; a tie rod removably mounted in the passage of the spreader means, the tie rod supporting an elongated tubular pipe slidably mounted thereon and having coupling means at one end for releasably coupling to the loose cone of the spreader means, the tie rod including projections formed thereOn for engaging with internal surfaces of the first cone for assuring predetermined location of the spreader means on the rod and consequently for determining spaced apart distance of the forms; and interengagable surfaces defined by the spreader means and the tie rod arranged and constructed for releasably coupling the spreader means to the tie rod so that the tie rod and spreader means are disengagable from the other while the forms are still in place and the tie assembly can be disassembled after use and removed from the concrete without damage to the concrete and tie assembly. 